Dogs and Winter: It’s Tough On Them, Too

When I headed to my doctor’s appointment this morning, I wasn’t planning to do any education. As it turned out, though, I had an opportunity to educate the staff a bit on the issue of dogs and winter.

I spoke briefly to the receptionist when I arrived, and the conversation came to what I do for a living. The receptionist began talking about her dog’s reaction to the cold weather.

Her dog is a 9 year old Great Dane, Rhodesian Ridgeback mix that doesn’t like the cold. The receptionist was making fun of the dog for not wanting to go outside in the cold. When the dog goes out, she walks very gingerly, goes potty and immediately after is ready to head inside.

Dogs Have Fur Coats, But Still Feel The Cold

Dogs feel the cold as much or more than humans. Dog paws are exposed to the cold and snow, comparable to us going out in our bare feet. Although snow booties are available for dogs to protect their paws, many dogs don’t tolerate wearing them.

The receptionist considered for a moment, then said that made sense. Evidently she hadn’t thought of it that way before.

Senior Dogs Can Be More Sensitive To Cold Weather

As dogs age, they may become more sensitive to cold weather. At 9 years old, the receptionist’s dog is considered a senior. Some senior dogs continue to embrace the colder temperatures well into their older years. Dogs suffering from joint problems such as arthritis may be affected by colder temperatures more dramatically.

There was another opportunity to discuss dogs and winter with the nurse toward the end of my appointment. She told me about her dog, a miniature Australian Shepherd.

Go Outside With Your Dog

Living on a farm, her dog often goes outside to run. Being five years old, the dog isn’t very affected by the cold. She asked about my plans for the day, and I indicated I’d be dog walking.

“You walk them in this weather?” Yes, I replied, dogs still have to go potty, regardless of the temperature. The way I see it, if I want dogs to go outside, it’s only fair I go out with them. Another look that said “hmm, never thought of it that way.”

Bring Dogs Inside When Temperatures Dip

When it comes to dogs and winter, realize they feel the cold too. When temperatures dip below freezing, don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods of time.

If you observe someone leaving a dog outside in freezing temperatures without shelter from the cold, contact your local animal shelter for advise on how best to help the dog.

Winter can be a rough time of the year, but taking precautions for you and your dog will keep you healthy until spring!